LifeHack: Things you can get at the library for free (not just books!)

Throughout this article, I’ll link to libraries around the USA who offer the services I listed. Shout out to YOUR library in the comments and show them some love with a link!

DVDs

The library generally has a large collection of DVDs, and even better, they often have hard to find or rare/one-off movies that aren’t on streaming services. Patrons donate DVDs to libraries all the time, and you can find strange and wonderful movies for free. 

Adult learning 

Libraries will often run adult learning courses on GED tests, citizenship exams, academic skill building, job preparation, and career advancement. Includes interactive tutorials, online books, and test preparation tools for GED, SAT, ACT, TOEFL, and military and occupational exams. (per the Hennepin Libraries website) 

Printed copies of documents 

Even the smallest libraries now have at least 2-3 computer terminals for public use, and a printer you can print things on for a small fee (usually under 25 cents a page) 

Internet access 

So, you’re on an ultra-tight budget, and even 40$ a month for Cheapo Corp Internet isn’t working for you. If you’re within walking, biking, busing, train, or driving distance of a library (and most of us are!) and you’re okay with tightly planning your time, you can use the internet for free for half an hour or an hour a day. 

Research assistance 

Sometimes your Google-fu fails, and you need information on obscure topics. Librarians live to help you with your research. 

Activities 

Libraries often host things like a book club, lecture series, “maker” series, and one-off cooking and craft activities. They’re generally free or very low cost, and often are planned around a 9-5 weekdays on, weekends off schedule, so that a majority of people can attend. A great way to meet new people, try something new, and have fun. 

Volunteer Opportunities

Libraries have volunteer spots for teens as young as 13 (that was my first job). Volunteer work is a great way to get started in the working world, do some good, get accustomed to working norms, and meet friends. 

Music CDs and audiobooks

Many libraries have phased these out(at least the music CDs), but your local “hub” branch (the largest branch) will often have a large selection of CDS available for check out. 

Games and puzzles 

Yes! Sometimes they are just for use in the library only, but if you need a unique day time date or friend activity, head out to your library and check out a chess board or jigsaw puzzle. 

Kindles, ipads, and other electronics 

Many libraries have seen the light and now allow you to check out electronics for a short time (sometimes with a deposit, sometimes just in-library only). 

Food 

My favorite library recently had free donuts, but what I meant is the library cafes! My downtown library has a cute little café serving coffee treats, as well as a small selection of used books for sale. 

Company or solitude 

Libraries usually have study rooms and meeting rooms. Need somewhere that’s not a coffee shop to work on your blog but can’t afford a co-working space? Need somewhere to host your board game club or book club? You can usually book a meeting or study room at the checkout desk. 

Access to academic materials via ILL or research databases 

If you need a rare or obscure item (map, ledger, journal, letters, etc) from a university library, the local public library can sometimes get it for you with a process called InterLibrary Loan. (ILL). Ask your research librarian! 

Magazines and newspapers  

I’ve spent many happy hours flipping through design and home magazines, and checking out armfuls of my favorite fashion magazines…all for free. You can check out magazines, or just read them on site. 

You can also use an app called Zinio for libraries to digitally check out and view magazines and newspapers. *Note: I’ve found it too slow and honestly just not as much fun as having the print version, but in case you’re into minimalism or need a very specific magazine or article right now, it’s an option. 

….and of course, books and ebooks

I had to mention them. One of my favorite developments in the last few years is the phone app Overdrive (may go by different names in your state/town). It’s an app that syncs with your library. You can search e-books, and then hold them, check them out, and get them in e-pub or Kindle e-book format. The best part? They just disappear when they’re due---no need to worry about getting to the library in time to return them. 

Libraries also have book sales, in addition to checking out books, many libraries have rooms dedicated to book sales, selling slightly worn, donated, or extra copies or books that haven’t been checked out recently. 

With all these options, you have no excuse not to get your butt to the library and start using it today!